In what has to be one of the most bizarre and mind-warping decisions of all time, Claire Poche, a senior official of the Oregon Health Authority gave a Covid update today while wearing a complete clown costume.

The makeup, the red tie, the polka dots. The whole thing.

It's hard to even express how awkward this is.

I know we are getting close to Halloween, and I am fine with wearing costumes even as an adult at work. But there are some jobs where you might want to think twice about it. Including Doctor and Public Health Official.

Does the thought not go through your mind, "Hey! Maybe before this planned teleconference updating the death toll of a pandemic, I should wipe off this makeup?"

Is this real life? What is happening here? What is she thinking? No apology for the attire, no explanation. Just a sad and somber clown trying to pass off as a serious person.

This is maybe the most sincere time anyone has ever used this gif.

I don't think the writers of The Office could have come up with a more awkward scenario.

I have no words.